Left out.

Forgotten.

Overlooked.

Ignored.

We’ve all been there. 

Feelings hurt. Like we don’t really matter.

Wondering why.

Why didn’t we get the recognition?

Why didn’t we receive an invitation?

Why are we not included in the conversation?

Why didn’t we get what they got?

Why are we not treated like they are?

Should we say something?

Did we do something or not do enough?

What do we need to do to be seen?  Heard?  Understood?

Why does it bother us so much?

Several years ago, I served on a board creating policy and a plan to be implemented.  I attended every meeting and felt I contributed to the discussions.  When the final document was published, I noticed my name was missing as a member of the committee.  The chairman was quick to apologize.  I assured him it was fine and didn’t bother me. 

But it did. I had given my time and energy. Others were acknowledged. I was not.  Even though I did not do the work so that my name would be announced, I would have liked some credit. The same credit everyone else received. I assumed I was appreciated; I just couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t important enough to be remembered.

We all have stories like this.  Social situations. Job placements. Personal conditions. Important conversations.  Valuable contributions. Daily happenings.

We want to be included.  We want to be liked.  We want to be respected and appreciated.  But so many times, we are seeking acceptance in the wrong places.  We are looking for approval and inclusion from people.

Broken people.

In a broken world.

They might have good reason; they might not.

They might be unkind; they might not.

They might be truly sorry; they might not.

They might have good intentions; they might not.

They might be self-serving; they might not.

However, when we know who we are in Christ, all that changes.  

Yes, we will still be left out. We may be forgotten, overlooked, ignored.

But never by God.

God calls us His own.

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.” 1 John 3:1 (NIV)

God says we are enough.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.“  Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)

God assures us that we are loved.

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.”  John 15:9 (NIV)

God is always with us.

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

So, let me encourage you today if you are wondering why you were excluded. Wondering why you are not considered.  Wondering about your worthiness or your value.  Does it matter?  Do you matter? 

You do!

You matter to God.  He remembers you. He notices you. He loves you.

Our faith lies in Him, not our friends or family.

Our worth is measured in our Savior’s promises, not what others see or think.

God is here. Today. Yesterday. Tomorrow. Always.

 Jesus walks with us. 

The Holy Spirit gives you peace in His presence. 

Offer your feelings to Him in prayer.  Trust Him to show you your worth.  Praise Him knowing His truth always prevails.  Delight in His love and His goodness. And, know that you are His!

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” 1 John 4:4 (NIV)